Inflammatory Biomarkers Connected to Sexual Activity and Quality of Life

Sexually active older adults tend to have less inflammation and, in turn, a higher quality of life, suggests a recent Journal of Sexual Medicine study.

Inflammation refers to a process of the immune system that helps protect the body from harmful substances. In effect, it’s a part of healing. However, sometimes chronic inflammation can lead to illnesses, like rheumatoid arthritis and hardening of the arteries.

This study, conducted by Dr. Mark S. Allen of the University of Wollongong in Australia, investigated the relationship among sexual activity, quality of life, and certain signs of inflammation.

Approximately 4,500 men and women from England with an average age of 66 years participated in the study. They provided blood samples and completed questionnaires about their sexual activity, general health, and overall quality of life. They also answered questions about smoking, physical activity, sleep habits, diet, and alcohol use.

The blood samples were tested for three substances which can provide clues on the presence of inflammation.

• C-reactive protein. Produced by the liver, this protein becomes elevated when a person has inflammation.

• Fibrinogen. This protein, also produced by the liver, helps blood clots form.

• White blood cells. These cells help the body fight infection and are produced by bone marrow.

The data showed that participants who had more frequent sex generally had lower levels of C-reactive protein and white blood cells, which suggest less inflammation. These participants also had a higher perceived quality of life. Results were similar for both men and women. However, there was no relationship found for sexual activity, quality of life, and levels of fibrinogen.

“Sexual activity and inflammatory biomarkers relate to quality of life in an interrelated manner,” Dr. Allen wrote.

“More sexually active older adults exhibited an anti-inflammatory status associated with a perception of higher quality of life,” he added.

He noted that more research is needed before these findings can be applied to clinical practice, and the results should not be generalized to all older adults. The roles of certain health conditions (such as cancer), relationship status, and sexual satisfaction could be future areas of study, he said.